Imaging supply memory

ABSTRACT

In one example, an article for an imaging supply for a printer that includes a first memory and a second memory in which the first memory stores an indication that unsigned data or signed data is stored on the second memory and the second memory stores consumables management data to cause the printer to define at least one of a yield, a low point, and an out point of the imaging supply.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of international application serial no.PCT/US2015/043248 filed Jul. 31, 2015, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Some printers are designed to use imaging supplies that are included ona list of supported imaging supplies stored on the printer. In suchexamples, if an imaging supply is inserted into the printer, the printerreads a model type and/or identifier from the imaging supply and thendetermines if the model type and/or identifier is included on a list ofsupported imaging supplies stored on the printer. If the printerdetermines that the inserted imaging supply is a non-supported imagingsupply, the printer may not use the non-supported imaging supply forprinting procedures.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example printer that can beused to implement the examples disclosed herein.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are example flowcharts representative of machine readableinstructions that may be executed to the implement the example printerof FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an example flowchart representative of machine readableinstructions that may be executed to the implement the example printerof FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a processor platform to execute the example instructions ofFIGS. 2, 3 and 4 to implement the printer of FIG. 1.

The figures are not to scale. Wherever possible, the same referencenumbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying writtendescription to refer to the same or like parts.

DESCRIPTION

The examples disclosed herein relate to imaging supplies including dataand/or information that, when inserted and/or coupled to an exampleprinter, dynamically define how the example printer interacts with theexample imaging supplies and/or dynamically define which imagingsupplies are compatible with the example printer. The imaging suppliesmay include ink cartridges, toner cartridges, tanks and/or any containerand/or replaceable device that holds printing material (e.g., ink, dye,toner, etc.) to form or fix an image on media (e.g., a substrate).

In some examples, the example data and/or information stored on theexample imaging supplies cause the example printer to updatecompatible-imaging supplies data and/or supported-imaging supplies datastored on the printer. When the information (e.g., data) cause theexample printer to update the compatible-imaging supplies data, theinformation (e.g., data) may be considered signed data. As set forthherein, signed data may contain a security module and/or a digitalsignature that the printer uses to authenticate the imaging supplyand/or that the printer uses to authenticate the modification of thecompatible-imaging supplies data of the example printer. In someexamples, an indication (e.g., a flag) of the presence of signed data isstored on a first memory on the imaging supply and other information(e.g., data) such as information (e.g., data) that cause the exampleprinter to update the compatible-imaging supplies data are stored on asecond memory on the imaging supply.

In some examples, when an imaging supply including signed data (e.g., anauthenticated imaging supply) is inserted into and/or coupled to anexample printer, the printer interacts with the example imaging supplyto obtain, access and/or read the information (e.g., e.g., data) storedon the inserted imaging supply and updates the compatible-imagingsupplies data. In some examples, the information (e.g., data) stored onthe authenticated imaging supply cause the printer to add at least oneimaging supply to the compatible-imaging supplies data stored by theprinter. The added imaging supply identifier may be the same as ordifferent from the imaging supply identifier of the inserted imagingsupply (e.g., the first imaging supply is different than the secondimaging supply, the first imaging supply is the same as the secondimaging supply). That is, an inserted imaging supply that was not on thelist previously may add itself to the list, provided that the insertedimaging supply includes signed data. In some examples when the addedimaging supply is different than the inserted imaging supply, the addedimaging supply may have at least one of a different part number from theinserted imaging supply, a different imaging supply identifier from theimaging supply identifier of the inserted imaging supply, a differentyield than the inserted imaging supply, a different color than theinserted imaging supply, a different capacity than the inserted imagingsupply, a different chemical property than the inserted imaging supply,be a different size than the inserted imaging supply, etc. In someexamples, the information (e.g., data) stored on the authenticatedimaging supply cause the printer to remove at least one imaging supplyidentifier from the compatible-imaging supplies data stored on theprinter.

In some examples, the information (e.g., data) stored on theauthenticated imaging supply cause the printer to facilitate (e.g.,enable) the inserted imaging supply to be used by the printer (e.g., onetime use) even though the inserted imaging supply is not included inand/or listed on the compatible-imaging supplies data. For example, if acompany chooses to produce imaging supplies for a contract customer(e.g., contract imaging supplies) that contain a different quantity ofsupply material (e.g., ink, dye, toner, etc.) than imaging supplies thatare included in and/or listed on the compatible-imaging supplies data,the examples disclosed herein may facilitate example printers to usethese authenticated imaging supplies even though these authenticatedimaging supplies are not included in and/or listed on thecompatible-imaging supplies data stored by the printer. In someexamples, an indication of the presence of signed data is stored on afirst memory on the imaging supply and other information (e.g., data)such as information (e.g., data) that cause the example printer to usean inserted imaging supply even though the inserted imaging supply isnot included and/or listed on the compatible-imaging supplies data arestored on a second memory on the imaging supply.

In some examples, the example information (e.g., data) stored on theexample imaging supplies dynamically define how the example printerinteracts with the example imaging supplies when such example imagingsupplies are used with the example printers. In some such examples, theinformation (e.g., data) may be signed data and/or unsigned data. As setforth herein, unsigned data do not contain a security module and/or maynot include a digital signature that authenticates the imaging supply.In some examples, imaging supplies including unsigned data are notauthorized to modify the compatible-imaging supplies data stored on theprinter. However, while these imaging supplies including unsigned datamay not be authorized to modify the compatible-imaging supplies data,the example printers disclosed herein may facilitate these imagingsupplies including unsigned data to be used by the example printersand/or may facilitate these imaging supplies including unsigned data todynamically define how the example printer interacts with these imagingsupplies. In some examples, when an imaging supply including unsigneddata is inserted into and/or coupled to the example printer, the exampleprinter may cause authorization (e.g., user authorization) to beobtained prior to the printer using the unsigned data.

In some examples, when an imaging supply including signed and/orunsigned data is inserted and/or coupled to an example printer, theprinter interacts with the example imaging supply to obtain, accessand/or read the information (e.g., data) stored on the inserted imagingsupply and the printer updates consumables management data associatedwith the inserted imaging supply and stored on the printer accordingly.In some examples, the consumables management data relate to the yieldand/or the number of pages the inserted imaging supply can print duringits usable life. In some such examples, the yield data stored on theinserted imaging supply are used by the printer to create a consumablesgauge and/or consumables tracking information that is displayable to auser and/or is used by the printer in combination with life trackingprocesses stored on the printer. In some examples, an indication of thepresence of signed and/or unsigned data is stored on a first memory onthe imaging supply and other information (e.g., data) such asinformation (e.g., data) that cause the printer to dynamically definehow the printer interacts with the inserted imaging supplies is storedon a second memory on the imaging supply.

In some examples, the data stored in a second memory on the imagingsupply relates to color management data. In some examples, the colormanagement data is used by the printer to cause the imaging supply todispense or develop a particular amount of supply material and/or aparticular combination of supply materials (e.g., cyan supply materialand yellow supply material) to render a desired color. In some examples,the color management data is used by the printer to cause components ofthe printer and/or components of the inserted imaging supply to functionin a particular manner. For example, in some examples, data of theimaging supply is used by the printer to cause a fuser of the printer tobe heated to a threshold temperature and/or a particular temperatureand/or to cause the fuser to heat to the threshold temperature within agiven time frame and/or for the fuser to have a temperature profileand/or behavior.

In some examples, the first memory of the imaging supply includes anindication that the second memory contains limited or no data (e.g., nosigned data is present, no unsigned present). In such examples, theinserted imaging supply does not include information (e.g., data) that,for example, dynamically define how the example printer interacts withthe inserted imaging supplies. Because, for example, such imagingsupplies may not include consumables management data, no consumablestracking information and/or no consumables gauge may be displayable whensuch imaging supplies are used. In some such examples, when an imagingsupply including no data is inserted into and/or coupled to the exampleprinter, the example printer may cause authorization (e.g., userauthorization) to be obtained prior to the printer using the insertedimaging supply. In examples in which no data is present on the imagingsupply, the printer uses default settings stored on the printer whenperforming operations (e.g., default setting for the fuser temperature,etc.) using the inserted imaging supply.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example printer 100 that can be used toimplement the teachings of this disclosure. The example printer 100 ofFIG. 1 includes an example image source 104 and an example substrate 106(e.g., paper). The image source 104 may be a computing device from whichthe printer 100 receives data describing a print job to be executed byan example controller 108 of the printer 100 to print an image on thesubstrate 106. In this example, to facilitate information such asimaging supply consumables information to be displayed to a user, theimage source 104 is coupled to an example display 110 and the printer100 is coupled to a display and control panel 112.

In the example of FIG. 1, the printer 100 also includes examplesubstrate motion mechanics 114. In some examples, the substrate motionmechanics 114 include mechanical devices that move the substrate 106when printing an image on the substrate 106. According to theillustrated example, information (e.g., data) to move the substrate 106are received and processed by the example controller 108 (e.g., from theimage source 104). In some examples, signals may be sent to thesubstrate motion mechanics 114 from the controller 108. In this example,an example laser scanner 116, an example fuser 118 and an example tonerreservoir and/or imaging supply 120 are coupled to the controller 108.In some examples, the imaging supply 120 includes more than one tonercartridge and/or supply. In this example, the imaging supply 120includes a first memory and/or flag 122, a second memory 124 and a thirdmemory 125. In some examples, the first, second and/or memories 122 and124 and/or the first, second and/or third 122, 124, 125 are differentmemories on the imaging supply 120. For example, when the first andsecond memories 122 and 124 are different memories, the first and secondmemories 122 and 124 may have one or more of different sizes, differentlengths, different properties, different materials, differentcapacities, different data, etc. In some examples when the first andsecond memories 122 and 124 are different memories, the first and secondmemories 122, 124 are physically the same or similar, but are twoseparate elements (e.g., two different memories having the same partnumber and/or having the same characteristics but being physicallyseparate). In some examples, the first, second and/or third memories122, 124, 125 are coupled and/or are the same memory (e.g., the firstmemory is the same as the second memory). In some examples when thefirst and second memories 122, 124 are the same memories, the first andsecond portions 123, 127 are on the same memory and/or the first andsecond portions 123, 127 are combined.

In some examples, the first memory 122 includes an indicator (e.g., 0,1, 2) stored in a first portion 123 of the first memory 122. In someexamples, the indicator indicates the type of data contained on a secondportion 127 of the second memory 124. In some examples, the indicator onthe first portion 123 indicates that signed data is present on thesecond portion 127 of the second memory 124, that unsigned data arepresent on the second portion 127 of the second memory 124 and/or thatlimited or no data is present on the second portion 127 of the secondmemory 124. In some examples, signed data may contain a security moduleand/or a digital signature that authenticates the data in the secondportion 127 of the second memory 124 within the imaging supply 120. Insome examples, unsigned data may not contain a security module and/ormay not include a digital signature that authenticates the use of thedata in the second portion 127 of the second memory 124 within theimaging supply 120. In some examples, the second memory 124 includesinformation (e.g., data) that dynamically defines how the exampleprinter 100 interacts with the example imaging supply 120 and/ordynamically defines which imaging supplies are compatible with theexample printer 100. In some examples, the third memory 125 includesdata and/or information including an imaging-supply identifier. In someexamples, the third memory 125 includes additional data, such as, forexample, developer parameters, cartridge life information (e.g., data),cartridge usage information (e.g. data), etc. In some examples, theimaging-supply identifier identifies the model-type of the imagingsupply.

The example printer 100 of FIG. 1 includes an interface 128 to interfacewith the image source 104 and/or to interface with the display andcontrol panel 112. The interface 128 may be a wired or wirelessconnection connecting the printer 100 and the image source 104 and/orconnecting the printer 100 and the display and control panel 112. Theimage source 104 may be a computing device from which the printer 100receives data describing a print job to be executed by the controller108. The display and control panel 112 may be an input and/or displaydevice that provides input to the printer 100 and/or displays data fromthe printer 100. In some examples, the interface 128 facilitates theprinter 100 and/or a processor 130 to interface with various hardwareelements, such as the image source 104 and/or hardware elements that areexternal and/or internal to the printer 100. In some examples, theinterface 128 interfaces with an input or output device, such as, forexample, a display device, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The interface 128may also provide access to other external devices such as an externalstorage device, network devices, such as, for example, servers,switches, routers, client devices, other types of computing devicesand/or combinations thereof.

The example controller 108 includes the example processor 130, includinghardware architecture, to retrieve and execute executable code (e.g.,data) from the first memory 122, the second memory 124, the third memory125 and/or the data storage device 126. The executable code, information(e.g., data) may, when executed by the example processor 130, cause theprocessor 130 to implement at least the functionality of controlling thesubstrate motions mechanics 114, the laser scanner 116, the fuser 118and/or the imaging supply 120 to cause an image to be formed on thesubstrate 106. In some examples, the functionality of the substratemotion mechanics 114 includes moving the substrate 106 through theprinter 100, the functionality of the laser scanner 116 includes causingthe imaging supply 120 to deposit supply material (e.g., toner) onto thesubstrate 106. In some examples, the functionality of the fuser 118includes providing heat that heats the supply material (e.g., toner) onthe substrate 106 to fuse the supply material to the substrate 106. Theexecutable code, information (e.g., data) may, when executed by theexample processor 130, cause the processor 130 to provide information(e.g., data) to a power supply unit 132, to cause the power supply unit132 to provide power to the fuser 118 to create a temperature profile tofuse the supply material to the substrate 106.

In some examples when the first memory 122 includes a flag indicatingthat the second memory 124 includes signed data (e.g., authenticateddata), the executable code may, when executed by the example processor130, cause the processor 130 to add at least one imaging supplyidentifier to compatible-imaging supplies data stored on the datastorage device 126. In some examples when the first memory 122 includesa flag indicating that the second memory 124 includes signed data (e.g.,authenticated data), the executable code may, when executed by theexample processor 130, cause the processor 130 to remove at least oneimaging supply identifier from the compatible-imaging supplies datastored on the data storage device 126. In some examples, thecompatible-imaging supplies data identify and/or list imaging suppliesthat are usable by the printer 100 and/or that are compatible with theprinter 100.

In some examples when the first memory 122 includes a flag indicatingthat the second memory 124 includes signed data (e.g., authenticateddata), the executable code may, when executed by the example processor130, facilitate the processor 130 to use the imaging supply 120 even ifthe imaging supply 120 is not included and/or identified in thecompatible-imaging supplies data. For example, if the imaging supply 120is an imaging supply supplied to a customer on a contract basis (e.g.,contract imaging supply), the manufacturer of the printer 100 and/or themanufacturer of the imaging supply 120 may intend that the imagingsupply 120 be used by the printer 100 without having the imaging supply120 included on the compatible-imaging supplies data.

In some examples when the first memory 122 includes a flag indicatingthat the second memory 124 includes signed data (e.g., authenticateddata) and/or unsigned data (e.g., unauthenticated data), the executablecode may, when executed by the example processor 130, facilitate theprocessor 130 to dynamically define how the printer 100 interacts withthe imaging supply 120 and/or dynamically define consumable managementdata associated with the imaging supply 120.

In some examples in which the imaging supply 120 includes unsigned data,the executable code may, when executed by the example processor 130,cause the processor 130 to prompt and/or receive authorization from, forexample, a user based on input obtained by the display 110 and/or theimage source 104. In some examples, the authorization is indicative thatthe user accepts the risks associated with using the imaging supply 120including unsigned data.

In some examples, the consumables management data may define the yieldof the imaging supply, how a consumables gauge is created and/ordefined, such as, for example, indicating that the imaging supplycontents are low or out. In some examples when the executable codeincludes color management data, the executable code may, when executedby the example processor 130, cause the imaging supply 120 to dispense aparticular amount of imaging material(s) (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) torender a desired color on the substrate 106, to heat a component (e.g.,the fuser 118) of the printer 100 to a threshold temperature and/or toheat the component (e.g., the fuser 118) to the threshold temperature ata threshold rate and/or within a threshold time frame.

In some examples when the first memory 122 includes a flag indicatingthat the second memory 124 includes limited or no data (e.g., no colormanagement data), the executable code may, when executed by the exampleprocessor 130, facilitate the processor 130 to use the imaging supply120 in a default “safe” mode even if the imaging supply 120 includeslimited or no data. In some examples in which the imaging supply 120includes limited or no data, the executable code may, when executed bythe example processor 130, cause the processor 130 to prompt and/orreceive authorization to use the imaging supply 120 including limited orno data. In some examples, the authorization indicates that the useraccepts the risks associated with using the imaging supply 120 includinglimited or no data.

In some examples, when the second memory 124 includes limited or nodata, no executable code may be present on the imaging supply 120 thatdynamically defines how the printer 100 interacts with the imagingsupply 120. In some examples, if the second memory 124 includes limitedor no data, the processor 130 may use executable code stored on the datastorage device 126 that may, when executed by the example processor 130,facilitate the processor 130 to heat a component (e.g., the fuser 118)of the printer 100 to a threshold default temperature and/or to heat thecomponent (e.g., the fuser 118) to the threshold default temperature ata threshold default rate and/or within a threshold default time frame.In some examples, if the second memory 124 includes limited or no data(e.g., no consumables management data), the printer 100 may be unable tocause a consumables gauge to be displayed on the display 110 and/or thedisplay and control panel 112, for example.

The data storage device 126 of FIG. 1 stores information (e.g., data)that are executed by the example processor 130 or other processingdevices. The example data storage device 126 may store computer coderepresenting a number of applications, firmware, machine readableinstructions, etc. that the example processor 130 executes to implementthe examples disclosed herein.

While an example manner of implementing the printer is illustrated inFIG. 1, at least one of the elements, processes and/or devicesillustrated in FIG. 1 may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted,eliminated and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the exampleimage source 104, the example controller 108, the example display 110,the example display and control panel 112, the example substrate motionmechanics 114, the example laser scanner 116, the example fuser 118, theexample imaging supply 120, the example first memory 122, the examplesecond memory 124, the example third memory 125, the example datastorage device 126, the example interface 128, the example processor130, the example power supply 132, and/or, more generally, the exampleprinter 100 of FIG. 1 may be implemented by hardware, software, firmwareand/or any combination of hardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, forexample, any of the example image source 104, the example controller108, the example display 110, the example display and control panel 112,the example substrate motion mechanics 114, the example laser scanner116, the example fuser 118, the example imaging supply 120, the examplefirst memory 122, the example second memory 124, the example thirdmemory 125, the example data storage device 126, the example interface128, the example processor 130, the example power supply 132 and/or,more generally, the example printer 100 could be implemented by at leastone of circuit(s), programmable processor(s), application specificintegrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s))and/or field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), etc.

When reading any of the apparatus or system claims of this disclosure tocover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, at least one ofthe example image source 104, the example controller 108, the exampledisplay 110, the example display and control panel 112, the examplesubstrate motion mechanics 114, the example laser scanner 116, theexample fuser 118, the example imaging supply 120, the example firstmemory 122, the example second memory 124, the example third memory 125,the example data storage device 126, the example interface 128, theexample processor 130, the example power supply 132 and/or the exampleprinter 100 are hereby expressly defined to include a tangible computerreadable storage device or storage disc such as a memory, DVD, CD,Blu-ray, etc. storing the software and/or firmware. Further still, theexample printer 100 of FIG. 1 may include at least one of elements,processes and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, thoseillustrated and/or may include more than one of any or all of theillustrated elements, processes and devices.

A flowchart representative of example machine readable instructions forimplementing the printer 100 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. Inthis example, the machine readable instructions comprise a program forexecution by a processor such as the processor 130 and/or the processor512 shown in the example processor platform 500 discussed below inconnection with FIG. 5. The program may be implemented in softwarestored on a tangible computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM,a floppy disk, a hard drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-raydisk, or a memory associated with the processor 130, 512, but the entireprogram and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by a deviceother than the processor 130, 512 and/or implemented in firmware ordedicated hardware. Further, although the example program is describedwith reference to the flowcharts illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, manyother methods of implementing the example printer 100 may alternativelybe used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may bechanged, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated,or combined.

As mentioned above, the example processes of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 may beimplemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer and/or machinereadable instructions) stored on a tangible computer readable storagemedium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory(ROM), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a cache, arandom-access memory (RAM) and/or any other storage device or storagedisk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extendedtime periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarilybuffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, theterm tangible computer readable storage medium is expressly defined toinclude any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage diskand to exclude propagating signals and transmission media. As usedherein, “tangible computer readable storage medium” and “tangiblemachine readable storage medium” are used interchangeably. Additionallyor alternatively, the example processes of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 may beimplemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer and/or machinereadable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer and/ormachine readable medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, aread-only memory, a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a cache, arandom-access memory and/or any other storage device or storage disk inwhich information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended timeperiods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering,and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the termnon-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to includeany type of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and toexclude propagating signals and transmission media. As used herein, whenthe phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in a preamble of aclaim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” isopen ended.

The program of FIG. 2 begins by the program identifying an imagingsupply within the printer (block 202) by, for example, the imagingsupply 120 being inserted into and/or coupled to the printer 100 and thecontroller 108 and/or the processor 130 identifying the presence of theimaging supply 120. The program determines if signed data are present onthe imaging supply (block 204) by, for example, the processor 130interacting with the example imaging supply 120 to obtain, access and/orread the instructions (e.g., data) stored on the first memory 122 todetermine if the imaging supply 120 contains signed data stored on theimaging supply 120. If signed data are present on the imaging supply,the program advances to the processes disclosed in FIG. 3 (block 206).The instructions executed by the printer 100 may be stored on the firstmemory 122, the second memory 124, the third memory 125 and/or the datastorage device 126.

However, if no signed data are present on the imaging supply (e.g.,unsigned data), the program obtains a model type from the imaging supply(block 208) by, for example, the processor 130 interacting with theexample imaging supply 120 to obtain, access and/or read theinstructions (e.g., data) stored on the third memory 125 to obtain themodel type and/or another identifier (e.g., the imaging supplyidentifier) of the imaging supply 120. The obtained model type iscompared to printer accepted model types (block 210) by, for example,the processor 130 comparing the obtained model and/or the imaging supplytype to compatible-imaging supplies data stored at, for example, thedata storage device 126. The program determines if the obtained modeltype is one of the printer accepted model types (block 212) by, forexample, the processor 130 determining if the obtained model and/or theimaging supply type is included in the compatible-imaging supplies data.In some examples, if the obtained model type is not one of the printeraccepted model types, the program prevents the printer from using theimaging supply during a printing operation (block 213) by, for example,the processor 130 causing the printer 100 to not use the imaging supply120 during a printing operation and/or the processor 130 causing anerror message to be displayed at the display 110 and/or the display andcontrol panel 112.

The program determines if consumables management data are included onthe imaging supply (block 214) by, for example, the processor 130interacting with the example imaging supply 120 to obtain, access and/orread the information (e.g., data) stored on the second memory 124 todetermine if the imaging supply 120 includes consumables managementdata. In some examples, the consumables management data relates to colormanagement data, the yield of the imaging supply 120 and/or the numberof pages the imaging supply can print 120 during its usable life.

If consumables management data are present on the imaging supply, anotice is provided of the presence of unsigned consumables managementdata (block 216) by, for example, the processor 130 causing the imagesource 104, the display 110 and/or the display and control panel 112 toprovide notice to a user relating to the risks associated with using theimaging supply 120 including unsigned data, for example. The programdetermines if authorization is received to use the unsigned consumablesmanagement data (block 218) by, for example, the processor 130 and/orthe printer 100 interacting with the image source 104, the display 110and/or the display and control panel 112 and receiving input indicativeof authorization being obtained to use the unsigned consumablesmanagement data.

If authorization is obtained to use the unsigned consumables managementdata, the consumables management data is obtained from the imagingsupply (block 220) by, for example, the processor 130 interacting withthe example imaging supply 120 to obtain, access and/or read theinformation (e.g., data) stored on the second memory 124 to obtain theunsigned consumables management data from the imaging supply 120. Theprinter is allowed (e.g., instructed and/or enabled) to print using theunsigned consumables management data (block 222) by, for example, theprocessor 130 using the unsigned consumables management data to create aconsumables gauge, to monitor the yield of the imaging supply 120, torender a desired color, to heat a component (e.g., the fuser 118) of theprinter 100 to a threshold temperature and/or to heat the component(e.g., the fuser 118) to the threshold temperature at a threshold rateand/or within a threshold time frame.

If authorization is not obtained to use the unsigned consumablesmanagement data, the printer is enabled to print without using theunsigned consumables management data (block 224) by, for example, theprocessor 130 using default settings stored on the data storage device126 that, for example, cause the processor 130 to heat a component(e.g., the fuser 118) of the printer 100 to a threshold defaulttemperature and/or to heat the component (e.g., the fuser 118) to thethreshold default temperature at a threshold default rate and/or withina threshold default time frame. In some examples, if authorization isnot obtained to use the unsigned consumables management data, theprinter 100 may be unable print and/or to create and/or cause aconsumables gauge to be displayed on the display 110, for example.

As shown in FIG. 3, if the signed data is present on the imaging supply,the program obtains a digital signature (block 302) by, for example, theprocessor 130 interacting with the example imaging supply 120 to obtain,access and/or read the information (e.g., data) stored on the firstmemory 122, the second memory 124 and/or the third memory 125 to obtaina digital signature and/or other authenticating and/or securityinformation from the imaging supply 120. The program determines if theobtained digital certificate is authentic (block 304) by, for example,the processor 130 comparing the obtained digital signature and/or otherauthenticating and/or security information to other information todetermine if the obtained digital signature and/or other authenticatingand/or security information is authentic and/or the processor 130performs other processing to authenticate the imaging supply 120. Theinformation to which the obtained digital signature and/or otherauthenticating and/or security information is compared may be stored atthe data storage device 126 and/or any other location local and/orremote to the printer 100.

The program determines if dynamic part data is present on the imagingsupply (block 306) by, for example, the processor 130 interacting withthe example imaging supply 120 to obtain, access and/or read theinformation (e.g., data) stored on the second memory 124 to determine ifthe imaging supply 120 contains dynamic part data. In some examples, thedynamic part data causes the processor 130 to add at least one imagingsupply identifier to the compatible-imaging supplies data stored onand/or associated with the printer 100. In some examples, the dynamicpart data causes the processor 130 to remove at least one imaging supplyidentifier from the compatible-imaging supplies data stored on and/orassociated with the printer. In some examples, the dynamic part datacauses the processor 130 to use the imaging supply 120 even if the modelnumber and/or other identifying information of the imaging supply 120 isnot present in the compatible-imaging supplies data.

If dynamic part data is present, the program determines if the dynamicpart data causes the printer to add or remove a model type(s) from theprinter accepted model types (block 308) by, for example, the processor130 interacting with the example imaging supply 120 to obtain, accessand/or read the information (e.g., data) stored on the second memory 124to determine if the imaging supply 120 contains dynamic part data thatcauses at least one type of imaging supply identifier to be added toand/or removed from the compatible-imaging supplies data. If the dynamicpart data does not cause the printer to add or remove a model type(s)from the printer accepted model types, the imaging supply is identifiedas a one-time-use imaging supply (block 310) by, for example, theprocessor 130 enabling the imaging supply 120 to be used by the printer100 even though the imaging supply 120 is not included in and/or listedon the compatible-imaging supplies data.

However, if the dynamic part data causes the printer to add or remove amodel type(s) from the printer accepted model types, a model type(s) isadded and/or removed from the accepted model types based on the dynamicpart data (block 312) by, for example, the processor 130 interactingwith the example imaging supply 120 to obtain, access and/or read theinformation (e.g., data) stored on the second memory 124 and, based onthe dynamic part data stored on the second memory 124, the processor 130causes at least one type of imaging supply identifier to be added toand/or removed from the compatible-imaging supplies data stored at, forexample, the data storage device 126.

The program obtains a model type from the imaging supply (block 314) by,for example, the processor 130 interacting with the example imagingsupply 120 to obtain, access and/or read the information (e.g., data)stored on the third memory 125 to obtain the model type and/or anotheridentifier of the imaging supply 120. The obtained model type iscompared to printer accepted model types (block 316) by, for example,the processor 130 comparing the obtained model and/or the imaging supplytype to compatible-imaging supplies data stored at, for example, thedata storage device 126. The program determines if the obtained modeltype is one of the printer accepted model types (block 318) by, forexample, the processor 130 determining if the obtained model type and/orthe imaging supply type is included in the compatible-imaging suppliesdata.

The consumables management data is obtained from the imaging supply(block 320) by, for example, the processor 130 interacting with theexample imaging supply 120 to obtain, access and/or read the information(e.g., data) stored on the second memory 124 to obtain signedconsumables management data from the imaging supply 120. The printer isenabled to print using the signed consumables management data (block322) by, for example, the processor 130 using the signed consumablesmanagement data to create a consumables gauge, to monitor the yield ofthe imaging supply 120, to render a desired color, to heat a component(e.g., the fuser 118) of the printer 100 to a threshold temperatureand/or to heat the component (e.g., the fuser) to the thresholdtemperature at a threshold rate and/or within a threshold time frame.

The program of FIG. 4 begins by receiving an imaging supply at a printer(block 402) by, for example, the imaging supply 120 being inserted intoand/or coupled to the printer 100 and the controller 108 and/or theprocessor 130 identifying the presence of the imaging supply 120. Theprogram obtains data from the imaging supply (block 404) by, forexample, the processor 130 interacting with the example imaging supply120 to obtain, access and/or read the instructions (e.g., data) storedon the first memory 122, the second memory 124 and/or the third memory125. In some examples, the data includes consumables management dataand/or color management data. In response to the data being obtained,the program dynamically defines at least one of printer functional dataand imaging supply data (block 406) by, for example, the processor 130using the data to create a consumables gauge, to monitor the yield ofthe imaging supply 120, to render a desired color, to heat a component(e.g., the fuser 118) of the printer 100 to a threshold temperatureand/or to heat the component (e.g., the fuser 118) to the thresholdtemperature at a threshold rate and/or within a threshold time frame.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example processor platform 400 capableof executing the instructions of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 to implement theprinter 100 of FIG. 1. The processor platform 500 can be, for example, aserver, a personal computer, a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, asmart phone, a tablet such as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant(PDA), an Internet appliance, or any other type of computing device.

The processor platform 500 of the illustrated example includes aprocessor 512. The processor 512 of the illustrated example is hardware.For example, the processor 512 can be implemented by at least one ofintegrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors or controllers fromany desired family or manufacturer.

The processor 512 of the illustrated example includes a local memory 513(e.g., a cache). The processor 512 of the illustrated example is incommunication with a main memory including a volatile memory 514 and anon-volatile memory 516 via a bus 518. The volatile memory 514 may beimplemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM)and/or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatilememory 516 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desiredtype of memory device. Access to the main memory 514, 516 is controlledby a memory controller.

The processor platform 500 of the illustrated example also includes aninterface circuit 520. The interface circuit 520 may be implemented byany type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, auniversal serial bus (USB), and/or a PCI express interface.

In the illustrated example, at least one input device 522 are connectedto the interface circuit 520. The input device(s) 522 permit(s) a userto enter data and commands into the processor 512. The input device(s)can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, acamera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, atrack-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

At least one output device 524 is also connected to the interfacecircuit 420 of the illustrated example. The output devices 524 can beimplemented, for example, by display devices (e.g., a light emittingdiode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystaldisplay, a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a touchscreen, a tactileoutput device, a light emitting diode (LED), a printer and/or speakers).The interface circuit 520 of the illustrated example, thus, typicallyincludes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip or a graphicsdriver processor.

The interface circuit 520 of the illustrated example also includes acommunication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, amodem and/or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data withexternal machines (e.g., computing devices of any kind) via a network526 (e.g., an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), atelephone line, coaxial cable, a cellular telephone system, etc.).

The processor platform 500 of the illustrated example also includes atleast one mass storage device 528 for storing software and/or data.Examples of such mass storage devices 528 include floppy disk drives,hard drive disks, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, RAIDsystems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

The coded instructions 532 of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 may be stored in the massstorage device 528, in the volatile memory 514, in the non-volatilememory 516, and/or on a removable tangible computer readable storagemedium such as a CD or DVD.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the above disclosedmethods, apparatus and articles of manufacture relate to exampleprinters such as laser printers and/or example imaging supplies for usewith example printers. In some examples, imaging supplies includesecurity functions, such as, for example, hardware and/or a digitalsignature. In some examples where the example imaging supplies include adigital signature, data may be recovered from the digital signature.

The examples disclosed herein relate to imaging supplies and/orcartridges that include data that enable the imaging supplies toself-define consumables management data, part acceptability and/or thecapacity and/or behavior of the imaging supplies and/or the printer whensuch imaging supplies are coupled to the printer. The examples disclosedherein enable consumables management data to be defined by the imagingsupplies and/or cartridges using signed data (e.g., authenticated data)and/or unsigned data (e.g., unauthenticated data).

In some examples, when a printer (e.g., printer platform) is produced,the printer includes a set number of imaging supplies having apre-defined capacity and a pre-defined toner low/out messaging level.The capacity and/or toner low/out messaging level for the imaging deviceis stored on the printer. Thus, in some of these examples, the supportedimaging supplies data included on the printer at the time ofmanufacturing is fixed during the lifetime of the printer, therebyrestricting the ability of the printer to adjust to changing marketconditions including preventing the introduction of new imagingsupplies, preventing the introduction of imaging supplies having adifferent yield and/or preventing the introduction of imaging suppliesthat behave differently.

In some examples, the example imaging supplies disclosed herein includea digital certificate having a dynamic consumables management functionand a dynamic part function. In some examples, the dynamic consumablesmanagement function and the dynamic part function are storedindependently on the imaging supply. However, in other examples, theconsumables management function and the dynamic part function are notstored independently (e.g., stored in the same or a similar location).In some examples, the dynamic part function is included, containedand/or associated with the digital signature to prevent and/orsubstantially prevent unauthorized modification of an accepted cartridgelist (e.g., supported-imaging supplies; consumables management data) forthe printer. In some examples, the consumables management functiondefines the yield of the imaging supply, the low and out points of theimaging supply, how to transition from different supply life countingmethods and/or how to quantify a developer life of the imaging supply.In some examples, the example imaging supplies include a regionalizationfiled.

In some examples, when an imaging supply is installed in a printer, theimaging supply can indicate if data are present for a dynamic functionand/or if this data, if present, are signed and/or unsigned. In examplesin which no data are present for the dynamic function, the printer maybe unable to perform consumable life tracking for the imaging supply.

In some examples in which the imaging supply includes unsigned data, theimaging supply may cause the printer and/or another device (e.g., acomputer, a computing device) to obtain authorization from a user to usethe data relating to the dynamic function. When the printer obtainsauthorization to use the unsigned data, in some examples, the unsigneddata are incorporated into a consumable life tracking processes, etc. ofthe printer and/or the other device.

In examples in which the imaging supply includes signed data, in someexamples, the example printers are able to authenticate the data of theimaging supply as being trusted and the printer may use the datarelating to dynamic function for the consumable life tracking processes,etc. In examples in which the imaging supplies includes data relating todynamic part data, in some examples, the imaging supply causes at leastone imaging supply identifier to be added to the supported-imagingsupplies and/or the consumables management data, the imaging supplycauses at least one imaging supply identifier to be removed from thesupported-imaging supplies and/or the consumables management data and/orthe imaging supply causes the printer to use the imaging supply even ifthe imaging supply is not included with the supported-imaging suppliesand/or the consumables management data. Put simply, the example imagingsupplies disclosed enable increased market flexibility after a printeris manufactured by enabling the imaging supplies to dynamically definehow the example printer interacts with the example imaging suppliesand/or dynamically define which imaging supplies are compatible with theexample printer

As set forth herein, an apparatus includes a printer to receive animaging supply, the printer including a processor, in response to theprinter receiving the imaging supply, the processor to obtain data fromthe imaging supply to enable: consumables management data for theimaging supply to be dynamically defined at the printer by the imagingsupply; color management data for the imaging supply to be dynamicallydefined at the printer by the imaging supply; or an identification ofunsigned data, limited or no data, or signed data on the imaging supply,when the imaging supply includes unsigned data or limited or no data,the processor is to enable the usage of the imaging supply during aprinting operation of the printer.

In some examples, based on the consumables management data, theprocessor is to dynamically define a yield of the imaging supply. Insome examples, based on the color management data, the processor is todynamically define a rendering of a color. In some examples, based onthe color management data, the processor is to dynamically control theprinter. In some examples, dynamically controlling the printer includesdefining a threshold temperature to which a fuser of the printer is tobe heated during a printing operation. In some examples, dynamicallycontrolling the printer includes defining a rate at which a thresholdtemperature of a fuser of the printer is attained during a printingoperation.

In some examples, the imaging supply is a first imaging supply, inresponse to the printer receiving the imaging supply, the processor isto obtain the data from the imaging supply to cause the printer to: adda second imaging supply to compatible-imaging supplies data of theprinter, the compatible-imaging supplies data defining imaging suppliesthat are usable by the printer; or remove a third imaging supply fromthe compatible-imaging supplies data. In some examples, the firstimaging supply and the second imaging supply are the same imagingsupply.

In some examples, in response to processor receiving an identificationof signed data on the imaging supply, the processor is to cause theprinter to enable the usage of the imaging supply including signed dataduring a printing operation. In some examples, the imaging supplyincluding signed data is absent from compatible-imaging supplies data,the compatible-imaging supplies defining imaging supplies that areusable by the printer.

An example apparatus includes an imaging supply including a first memoryand a second memory, the first memory storing an indication of unsigneddata or signed data being stored at the second memory, the second memorystoring data, such as, for example, consumables management data or colormanagement data, when the imaging supply is coupled to a printer andconsumables management data are stored on the second memory, theconsumables management data to cause the printer dynamically define ayield of the imaging supply, when the imaging supply is coupled to theprinter and color management data are stored one the second memory, thecolor management data to cause the printer to dynamically define arendering of a color, to dynamically define a threshold temperature towhich a fuser of the printer is to be heated during a printingoperation, or dynamically define a threshold temperature to which afuser of the printer is to be heated during a printing operation. Insome examples, the first memory is different from the second memory.

An example method includes receiving an imaging supply at a printer;obtaining data from the imaging supply; in response to the data beingobtained, dynamically defining consumables management data for theimaging supply at the printer, or dynamically defining color managementdata for the imaging supply at the printer. In some examples, the methodincludes, in response to the data obtained, identifying the data assigned data or unsigned data. In some examples, the method includesenabling a printing operation to be performed using the imaging supplywhen the imaging supply includes unsigned data.

An examples apparatus includes an imaging supply including a firstmemory and a second memory, the first memory storing an indication of atleast one of unsigned data, signed data, and limited or no data beingstored at the second memory, when at least one of unsigned and signeddata are present on the second memory, the second memory storingconsumables management data, when the imaging supply is coupled to aprinter and consumables management data are stored on the second memory,the consumables management data to cause the printer to dynamicallydefine at least one of a yield, a low point, and an out point of theimaging supply. In some examples, the first memory is different from thesecond memory. In some examples, the apparatus includes a third memorystoring an imaging-supply identifier, when the imaging supply is coupledto the printer, the printer to use the imaging-supply identifier todetermine if the imaging-supply identifier is included oncompatible-imaging supplies data, the compatible-imaging supplies datadefining imaging supplies that are usable by the printer. In someexamples, when at least one of unsigned and signed data are present onthe second memory, the second memory stores color management data, thecolor management data to cause the printer to dynamically define arendering of a color. In some examples, when limited or no data arepresent at the second memory, and the imaging supply is coupled to theprinter, the printer to use default settings for at least one ofconsumables management data and color management data. In some examples,the second memory stores dynamic part data and the imaging supply is afirst imaging supply, when the imaging supply is coupled to the printer,the dynamic part data to at least one of add a second imaging supply tocompatible-imaging supplies data of the printer, the compatible-imagingsupplies data defining imaging supplies that are usable by the printer,and remove a third imaging supply from the compatible-imaging suppliesdata.

An example method includes receiving an imaging supply at a printer;obtaining data from the imaging supply; and in response to the databeing obtained, dynamically defining printer functional data includingat least one of consumables management data for the imaging supply atthe printer, color management data for the imaging supply at theprinter, and a temperature profile of a fuser of the printer. In someexamples, the method also includes in response to the data obtained,identifying the data as signed data or unsigned data. In some examples,the method also includes performing a printing operation using theimaging supply when the imaging supply includes unsigned data. In someexamples, dynamically defining color management data includesdynamically defining a rendering of a color. In some examples, theimaging supply is a first imaging supply, further including, in responseto the data obtained from the imaging supply, at least one of adding asecond imaging supply to compatible-imaging supplies data of theprinter, the compatible-imaging supplies data defining imaging suppliesthat are usable by the printer, and removing a third imaging supply fromthe compatible-imaging supplies data.

An example apparatus includes a printer to receive an imaging supply,the printer including a processor, in response to the printer receivingthe imaging supply, the processor to obtain data from the imaging supplyto identify a presence of unsigned data, limited or no data, or signeddata on the imaging supply, when the imaging supply includes at leastone of unsigned data and limited or no data, the processor is to use theimaging supply during a printing operation of the printer. In someexamples, based on the data, the processor is to identify the presenceof at least one of consumables management data on the imaging supply andcolor management data on the imaging supply, the consumables managementdata for the imaging supply to be dynamically defined at the printer bythe imaging supply, the color management data for the imaging supply tobe dynamically defined at the printer by the imaging supply. In someexamples, based on the consumables management data, the processor is todynamically define at least one of a yield, a low point, and an outpoint of the imaging supply. In some examples, based on the colormanagement data, the processor is to dynamically define a rendering of acolor.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

1. An article for an imaging supply for a printer, comprising: a firstmemory and a second memory; the first memory storing an indication thatunsigned data or signed data is stored on the second memory; and thesecond memory storing consumables management data to cause the printerto define at least one of a yield, a low point, and an out point of theimaging supply.
 2. The article of claim 1, where: the first memory islogically different from the second memory; or the first memory isphysically different from the second memory.
 3. The article of claim 1,comprising a third memory storing an imaging supply identifier for theprinter to use to determine if the imaging supply identifier is includedon compatible imaging supplies data defining imaging supplies that areusable by the printer.
 4. The article of claim 1, where the secondmemory stores color management data to cause the printer to define arendering of a color.
 5. The article of claim 1, where the second memorystores part data for a first imaging supply to cause the printer to adda second imaging supply to the printer's compatible imaging suppliesdata and/or to remove a third imaging supply from the printer'scompatible imaging supplies data.
 6. The article of claim 5, where thefirst imaging supply is different from the second imaging supply.
 7. Anarticle for an imaging supply for a printer, comprising a memory having:a first part storing an indication that a digital signature toauthenticate the imaging supply to the printer is stored in the memory;and a second part different from the first part, storing the digitalsignature.
 8. The article of claim 7, where the second part of thememory stores consumables management data.
 9. The article of claim 8,where consumables management data is part of the digital signature. 10.The article of claim 7, where the memory includes a third part differentfrom the first and second parts, storing consumables management data.11. The article of claim 10, where the digital signature flags theconsumables management data in the third part of the memory.
 12. Thearticle of claim 7, where the second part of the memory storescompatible imaging supply data.
 13. The article of claim 7, where thememory includes a third part different from the first and second parts,storing compatible imaging supply data.
 14. The article of claim 7,where the second part of the memory stores consumables management dataand compatible imaging supply data.
 15. The article of claim 7, wherethe memory includes a third part different from the first and secondparts, storing consumables management data and compatible imaging supplydata.
 16. The article of claim 7, where the first part of the memory andthe second part of the memory are logical parts of a single physicalmemory.
 17. The article of claim 7, where the first part of the memoryand the second part of the memory are physical parts of a memory havingmultiple physical parts.
 18. An article for an imaging supply for aprinter, comprising a memory having: a first part storing an indicationthat unsigned data is stored in the memory; and a second part differentfrom the first part storing the unsigned data.
 19. The article of claim18, where the unsigned data includes consumables management data. 20.The article of claim 18, where the unsigned data includes compatibilityimaging supply data.
 21. The article of claim 18, where the first partof the memory and the second part of the memory are logical parts of asingle physical memory.
 22. The article of claim 18, where the firstpart of the memory and the second part of the memory are physical partsof a memory having multiple physical parts.
 23. A digital signature foran imaging supply for a printer, comprising an authentication functionand a consumables management function.
 24. The digital signature ofclaim 23, comprising a part function.
 25. The digital signature of claim23, where the consumables management function includes consumablesmanagement data.
 26. The digital signature of claim 23, where theconsumables management function flags consumables management data. 27.The digital signature of claim 24, where the part function includesimaging supply compatibility data.
 28. The digital signature of claim24, where the part function flags imaging supply compatibility data.